101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Long Distance Calling

If you do plan to use long-distance calling, shop around for the right carrier and be sure to read the small print. Even if you like your current carrier, you might be able to find an equally liked carrier for less money.

Long distance is a very competitive market so deals are easy to find. The same would be true for your wireless carrier. The plans range vastly from one carrier to another so check out all your
options for the best one.

Do not forget to look at the coverage area. If you choose a carrier that does not have the right coverage for your area, even if the price is better, there is no savings if you cannot send or receive
calls.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Instant Messaging / Microphone

Rather than spend a small fortune in long distance, contact friends and family via instant messaging on the Internet. In addition, you can download a program that will allow you to connect a microphone and actually have a voice conversation free.

All you pay for is the normal price of your Internet connection, which generally runs from $9.95 to $21.95 a month. Either option allows you to have real-time conversations for no extra money.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Dinner Guests

Invite friends over for dinner as a potluck. People love sharing their favorite recipe and by splitting dinner, everyone enjoys variety while saving money. In fact, make this a tradition amongst your friends.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Previously Viewed

Home videos and DVDs are hot items and perfect for any family entertainment. Now you can visit the major video chains and purchase previously viewed videos and DVDs for about half the
cost.

For example, at Blockbuster, you can purchase either one and get a 30-day warranty. This is still a wonderful way to have quality entertainment for a terrific savings.

Another great option is to record your own movies either from TV or any of the popular cable channels such as HBO, Showtime or Disney.

Rather than hitting the theater every weekend, make it a special occasion. Instead, pop your popcorn, grab a soda, spread out a blanket, and create your own theater-type atmosphere.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Christmas Fund

Many banks and financial institutions offer a Christmas Fund program. This is an excellent way to put aside some money for your holiday shopping so you do not end up with a ton of spending.

With these programs, you do not even miss the money and better yet, less stress around the holidays.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Appropriate Deductions

Rather than spending money just for the sake of spending, change the amount of deductions you have taken from your paycheck for your 401K or stock options.

This is especially great if your company offers a competitive matching program. Increasing the amount you have deducted can quickly add up to a nice savings and is especially nice for retirement.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Live Within your Means

The quickest way to get in debt is to live beyond your means. Sure, most people want more than they have but life is not all about spending money.

Be thankful for what you do have and learn how to enjoy the financial position you are in. This is where your budget will help identify the amount of money coming in against the amount of debt going out.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Life Satisfaction

Learn how to enjoy life and nature rather than possessions. The next time you feel like spending money, head to your local park where you can enjoy the warm sun, green grass, and towering
trees without spending a dime.

Being happy in life is far better than buying item after item. Having an inner peace is better than having a house filled with “things.”

That does not mean you cannot enjoy some of the finer things in life it just means learning how to be happy with yourself and not “things.”

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Computer Software

In order to keep on track with your debts and credits, you need to use some type of software such as Quicken or Quick Books. This will keep you focused on your goals and tasks while you strive to
achieve them.

Additionally, rather than buy software programs to download, first check Download.com or Freeware.com to see if there are free versions to download.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Coordinate Efforts

If you are married, make sure you and your spouse are working on the same agenda. If one is trying to save money while the other is busy spending, what is the point? When you work as a
team, you can encourage each other to keep on track with your saving.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Plan Menus

Although it will take some time initially, after you have planned a week’s menu once, it will become much easier and best of all, it will save you money.

Knowing exactly what you will be making helps you to shop for foods that can be used more than once. As an example, if you are going to have spaghetti on Tuesday, you could buy bulk ground
beef at a better price and then use the other half for tacos on Saturday.

Another option would be buying round steak where one night you fix Salisbury steak and then a few days later, you use the leftovers for breakfast hash.

This will help you stretch meals and avoid last minute or impulse buying.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Dining Out

Eating out can be expensive. Rather than stop eating out, simply cut back and look for options of two-for-one. Restaurants of all calibers offer weekly specials and if you check in your Sunday
paper, you can often find special bargains.

You might even think about signing up as a Mystery Shopper on the Internet where you can eat at fine restaurants free or at a huge discount just for writing a report on the food, service, and
cleanliness.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Repair versus Replace

Instead of spending $1,000 on that beautiful new couch, you might consider one of two options. If your couch frame is still good, you might spend $300 to have it recovered or purchase a
quality slipcover for $100.

Redecorate in an instant at Sure Fit Slipcovers!

Your couch will look brand new for much less, than it would to replace.

Another example would be if you have a lamp that you want to replace. Consider painting it and adding a new shade rather than spending money to buy a brand new one.

Perhaps you have a washer, dryer, or refrigerator that is running a little sluggish. Find out the cost of repair over that of purchasing a new one.

Even if you have an appliance with the wrong color, businesses offer fantastic paint jobs. With a little creativity, you will be amazed at how much can be repaired, thus saving you money.

Plus why not make some money from the same thing? Pretty up old lamps and sell them.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Borrowing Money

Unless you have an emergency, avoid those enticing advertisements to lend you money at incredible rates.

Banks and lending institutions make it much too easy to borrow money and especially during the holidays, they flash all their great advertisements drawing people in.

Afterwards, you have borrowed money that you could have done without and now you are locked into a five-year repayment contract. If you want a new car or boat, it is better to save.

If you do need a new car, avoid brand new cars, which lose massive amounts of depreciation the minute you drive off the lot.

Instead, look for something a year or two old where you will still have a nice car but much more in line with an appropriate cost.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Annual Maintenance

Make a list of all annual maintenance items for your home such as air conditioner, heater, hot water heater, etc. Once again, being prepared and working in a proactive manner can save you
unnecessary expenses.

If you take care of your air conditioner by getting an annual tune up then you lower the risk of something going wrong during the hot summer months when it will be quite costly to repair.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Vacations

While Paris, England, or Germany offers excitement, they also cost money to visit. Unfortunately, people on a regular basis forget about the United States and even the very state in which they live.

One man had lived in Arizona his entire life. At age 50, when asked by a friend what the Grand Canyon was like, he was unable to answer because he had never been there.

The next time you get ready to plan your family vacation, look around where you live and consider an exciting road trip that will not only be educating but cost effective. A vacation does not have to be expensive to be fun and memorable.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Automobile Care

Keep your car oil changed, tires rotated, and overall care up-todate. First, the $30 for your oil change will save wear and tear on your car, which could result in significant money.

Second, you need your car to get to and from work. By not having your car in top working condition could put you in a bad position when it comes to required transportation.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Good Health

You need to make sure you take care of yourself physically. Missed dental cleanings (every six months) can lead to gum disease or tooth decay that can cost thousands to fix.

The same is true for your health. After trying home remedies or over the counter medications, if you still do not feel well, see a doctor. It is far better to pay the doctor visit than to let your simple summer cold turn into pneumonia.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Organization

You may be wondering what being organized has to do with saving money but in reality, it has a lot to do with it. For example, if you miss a credit card due date by one day, you will be charged anywhere from a 15% to 25% penalty.

The same would be true for taxes. Missing one simple date can cost thousands. You need to be organized so you know the exact dates your bills are due as well as keep all receipts, contracts, etc.
in an orderly manner.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Bank Accounts

Make sure you work with a qualified banker that can set up the “right” kind of account for your type of spending. There are numerous options specifically designed for people that write a good number of checks versus those who do not.

Check with your existing bank to ensure you have what you really need and if they are not willing to work with you, change banks. In general, credit unions are good options. Their rates are typically lower and because they are employee owned, you can find better options.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Overdraft Protection

Almost everyone has at one point or another had an insufficient check. Most banks charge $20 per returned check, which if not careful with your account, can quickly add up to a lot of money.

If you have a savings account, consider adding overdraft protection onto your checking account so if you ever go into a negative balance, the money would automatically be covered by your savings. Most banks offer this service free.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Challenge the Doctor/Hospital

If you have stayed in the hospital recently, you know the outrageous charges associated with every thing used. While you could buy a box of bandages for a small cut in the drug store for
$5.00, at the hospital, they will charge you $10 for one bandage.

While the government and insurance companies are cracking down on these charges, you should check things closely and challenge anything that is ridiculously priced.

The same is true for your doctor. One woman having a hysterectomy was asked by her doctor if she wanted her appendix removed at the same time.

The patient thought it was a good idea and agreed. However, after the surgery when the bill came, there was an additional $1,200 for the removal of the appendix although the doctor never
mentioned an extra charge.

The woman called her doctor to discuss and the doctor removed the charge. If something seems way out of balance, question it.

Something else that most people do not know about is what is called “professional courtesy.” If you are having financial difficulties, you can ask your doctor if they will write off any balance owed as a professional courtesy.

Many will and if not the full amount, at least some.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Check Receipts and Statements

If you were to check your grocery or store receipt, approximately 50% of the time you would find an overcharge. This happens all the time and in some cases, the charge can be substantial.

The same is true for credit card statements, bank statements, phone bills, etc. Check the detail because it is quite common to find errors.

These mistakes can easily be corrected simply by asking and providing a copy of the receipt or statement.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Car Shopping

Shop around for the best price. While you may have your eye on that “perfect” car and want it now, by waiting and looking around, you could be saving yourself a lot of money. In addition, check
out other states.

If you live within a few hours drive from other cities, check out the price difference. The five hours it takes to drive may be worth the money saved.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Stay out of the Malls

If possible, stay away from shopping malls. High-dollar shopping malls have expensive overhead and are designed to sell, sell, sell. Prices are generally higher and in most cases, people walk out
with more than they anticipated buying.

It is better to shop at stand-alone shops or on the Internet.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Selling your Home

If considering putting your home on the market, make sure you work with a reputable realtor. A good realtor versus one that is not as experienced can be the difference of thousands of dollars.

A good realtor will know exactly what you need to do to your home to get it in the best selling condition, which in turn will get you more money. In addition, experienced realtors know all the
best methods for advertising and selling your home while saving you the most money.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Consignment Shops

Rather than throw out or sell slightly worn clothing or other household items in a garage sale, consider selling them through a consignment shop. You will get a better price for your items and
consignment shops are always looking for quality merchandise. Check out Half.com, which is an online consignment shop offering books, movies, computer software, and much more in either new
or used condition.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Shop Online

Many online businesses offer great bargains and in some cases, free shipping. Since the Internet is such a competitive market, you can usually find fantastic deals. In addition, many of your favorite businesses where you shop in person have websites that offer even greater savings.

Bookstores such as Amazon.com will sell books up to 70% off the original price. Overstock.com is another online business that sells closeout items for fantastic bargains.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Heating and Cooling

Make sure vents in rooms not being used or the garage are closed. Many people tend to try to heat and cool the entire home. Instead, take the time to close off areas that you are not using. You will save substantial money on your utilities.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Recycle

Try a different type of recycling that will save you money. Have you ever received a nice gift that you like from someone but will never use? Rather than take it back to the store for an exchange, consider keeping it to give as a gift to someone else.

Another way to recycle is to look around your home. There are always things right in your home that can be used to make nice gift baskets – things you never use.

For example, the next time you purchase shower gel where you buy one and get one free, keep one for yourself and set the other one aside for future gift giving. You will find hundreds of ideas so be creative and consider things you purchased but have never used.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Turn your Hobby into Money

Everyone has a skill – find yours and turn it into money. For example, if you have a skill for woodworking, start creating children’s toys, or curio cabinets to sell. Perhaps you are computer savvy and could teach a class at your local community college. Find something you enjoy and sell it.